KA-CLERK-KUMARASWAMY

'Need time to act against minister for cash seizure from his

clerk'; CM

Bengaluru, Jan 11 (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister H D

Kumaraswamy Friday sought time to act against minister for

backward classes welfare C Puttarangashetty, whose personal

assistant was nabbed with unaccounted cash of Rs 25.76 lakh on

January 4 at the state secretariat.

"Give me some time. I take decisions in accordance with

the law. There is no question of patronising anyone. I never

believe in cover-up politics in the case of wrongdoing," he

said in response to a question from reporters on when he would

take action against the minister.

The chief Minister declined to comment on

Puttarangashetty's move to seek a court injunction to bar the

media from publishing reports relating to the seizure.

Police said S G Mohan Kumar was arrested on January 4

with Rs 25.76 lakh in cash, which was collected from four

contractors.

The matter has been handed over to the anti-corruption

bureau for investigation.

The BJP has demanded that the ministerbe sacked to

ensure an impartial investigation.

"How can a fair investigation be carried out as long as

Puttarangashetty is in the cabinet? He should be removed

first," BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa had demanded

threedays ago.